Stockholm, Sweden — On 12 June 2025, the Philippine Embassy in Stockholm, led by Ambassador Patrick A. Chuasoto, proudly won first prize for Best Food at the prestigious Beer and Food Fair organized by the Association of Diplomats in Stockholm (ADS). This monumental win coincided with the celebration of the Philippine National Day, making the achievement even more significant.

The Embassy’s winning culinary showcase featured authentic Filipino dishes prepared by Chef Elle Phillips of Kanto Bistro, the only Filipino restaurant in Stockholm, which is also celebrating its first anniversary on 14 June 2025.

The dishes presented included the following:

• Pork Sisig in Pastry Cups: A modern take on the beloved Filipino street food classic from Pampanga, known for its bold, tangy, and savory flavors, traditionally served as pulutan (bar chow) or a main dish.
• Shrimp Kinilaw: A fresh shrimp ceviche-style dish marinated in vinegar, onions, ginger, and chilis, reflecting the Philippines’ rich coastal heritage and predating Spanish colonization.

Complementing the food was the iconic Red Horse Beer, a strong Filipino beer known for its robust flavor, which paired perfectly with the dishes and introduced fairgoers to a quintessential Filipino beverage experience.

Second place for Best Food was awarded to the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the United Kingdom secured third place. In the beer category, Japan took first place, breaking Mexico’s two-year run in the same category, to the delight of Ambassador Hideaki Muzokoshi. Austria and Belgium took the second and third places in the beer category, respectively.

Seventeen Embassies participated in this year’s event, which marked the 22nd edition of the Beer and Food Fair. The annual fair fosters camaraderie and cultural exchange among the diplomatic community in Stockholm through a spirited but friendly competition of national culinary delights.

Ambassador Chuasoto highlighted that this victory is a testament to the growing appreciation of Filipino cuisine on the global stage and a reflection of the Embassy’s ongoing commitment to cultural diplomacy. By partnering with local Filipino entrepreneurs like Chef Elle Phillips and Kanto Bistro, the Embassy aims to actively promote Filipino culture, heritage, and tourism to the Swedish public and beyond. END